Alfred H. Savage Centre opens its doors

Trail hikers and sledders in the Whitemud Park area now have a new place to warm up and reboot as the Alfred H. Savage Centre opened its doors to the public last week.

The centre, which is located at the base of the park’s toboggan hill along Keillor Road near the Whitemud Trailhead, will serve as a hub for outdoor education and environmental programs such as orienteering or snowshoeing, as well as being a space for community gatherings.

“The new Alfred H. Savage Centre enhances and supports the enjoyment of the park and the nearby trail system.”

Inside, the building is equipped with full washroom facilities and a second building, located on the north side of Fox Drive, also houses additional washrooms.

The cost of the project tipped in at $3.9 million, with the government of Alberta providing $3.7 million in funding through the Municipal Sustainability Initiative (MSI).

The City of Edmonton also chipped in $200,000.

The facility is named after Alfred Savage, who served as commissioner of public affairs for the City of Edmonton between 1974 and 1981.

“It is fitting that this new community gathering place is named after my father,” says Carrie Thuesen, daughter of Mr. Savage.

“His interest in horticulture, passion for the river valley, and desire to preserve parkland for future Edmontonians influenced not only his work with the City of Edmonton, but our family as well.

“We could regularly be found exploring the river valley together, and enjoyed many winter days skiing and skating in this park. This city continues to be very dear to my father and he is honoured to be recognized by the City of Edmonton.”

A colourful mural, painted by artist Alexandra Haeseker titled I Am You, rests on the exterior of the centre and was funded through the City’s Percent for Art policy.

The artwork is said to be a structural metaphor for how a group is made of individuals.

In an effort to reduce environmental impact, the centre is certified LEED (Leadership in Energy Efficient Design) Silver from the Canada Green Building Council.

Geothermal heating, a reflective roof and water-efficient fixtures are a few of the building’s features that help it meet the LEED certification requirements.

The Alfred H. Savage Centre is open to the public daily from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.